Posted on: Sunday, April 1, 2012

You can sum up April Fools’ as a day to keep everyone on their toes. Pranks can go in many directions. Of course, there's the salt in the sugar bowl, or the tying of an elastic around the kitchen faucet. Every year, we try to fool someone by saying Marni is Kara or Kara is Marni but since neither of us can keep a straight face, we’re usually unsuccessful with that one. In any event, the day is full of fun tricks, confusion and lots of laughs. For a prank centered around food, we decided to swap meals and make breakfast for dinner.

One of our favorite breakfast foods is a Monte Cristo sandwich. We vividly remember trying our first one at KC’s Restaurant in downtown Beverly Farms with our grandparents. Sitting in a leather booth, we loved dipping the savory soft yet crispy warm triangles filled with melted meats and creamy cheeses into perfectly sweet maple syrup. Although KC’s is not around anymore, we still enjoy eating the sinfully delicious sandwich.

Lay 4 slices of bread on your work surface. Layer the cheese, ham, turkey, then another piece of cheese on each slice. Top with the remaining bread slices.

Beat the egg, milk, nutmeg and salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Transfer the sandwiches to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the interior is melted. Press down with a pan/spatula if need be. Remove the fried sandwiches from the skillet, cut at a bias and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

To treat your inner prankster, you must try this gooey Grilled Cheese and French Toast merger.